Harper has been suffering from bursitis in the knee and was placed on the disabled list June 1, retroactive to May 26. He attempted to play through the injuries he suffered when he ran into outfield fences on April 29 in Atlanta and May 13 in Los Angeles. Harper later admitted that he should've been placed on the disabled list well before he actually was.

Though the outfielder is technically eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday, he has yet to resume baseball activities. Harper told reporters he plans to go on a rehab assignment sometime early next week before returning.

"I'm not going to rush it," Harper said Thursday. "I want to get back in this lineup 100%. I don't want back in it at 80%."

The Nationals are obviously hoping to avoid a surgery to remove the bursa sac that's been troubling their young star, which would further set back his return.